You can now take the NRSWA course Unit O1 or S1 Signing, Lighting and Guarding as a stand alone reassessment course. It has been recognised that this Street Works unit is very different from the others, which means that many people only need the O1 or S1 unit on it’s own to carry out their work. The Signing, lighting and guarding unit isn’t concerned with excavation of the highway, which means that many of the other units are then unnecessary. Therefore, training schools now offer a reassessment for operatives and supervisors to streamline the process for those who need this stand alone unit.
Why do I need to take the O1 or S1 reassessment?
Ensuring that the highways are safe and efficiently managed is of utmost importance. The NRSWA units were introduced to guarantee that all those working on the roads have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties safely and efficiently.
However, techniques, and legislation change. As a result, it’s vital that street works operatives and supervisors keep up-to-date. This is where the NRSWA reassessment courses come into play.
If you work on the public highway then you must have the correct qualifications – that are in date – to do so. NRSWA Street Works qualifications last for 5 years, and then they have to be renewed for you to carry on completing work on the highways. However, you can take the reassessment course without completely redoing your qualification up to five years after the expiry date. So you can let your renewal of the course lapse, but you will not be able to do any work on the roads without an in-date qualification i.e. the relevant NRSWA units for your job.
By taking the reassessment training and requiring an in-date certificate to work, it ensures the safety of not just the workers but also the general public who use the roads daily.
The O1 or S1 Signing, Lighting and Guarding Reassessment Process
The NRSWA reassessment is not as lengthy as the initial training. It focuses on updating existing knowledge and introducing any new industry standards or legislative changes.
Here’s a brief rundown of what happens on a typical Signing, Lighting and Guarding reassessment course:
- Preparation: Some training centres offer some refresher training to help candidates prepare.
- Assessment: On the day, you will undergo a multiple-choice test either an O1 or an S1 Signing lighting and guarding.
- Results: In most cases, you will know whether you have passed the unit or failed on the same day. Successful candidates will have their qualifications renewed and you will receive your new, updated Street Works card in the post. Those who don’t pass may be given advice on areas of improvement and can usually retake the test on the same day if there is time.
Below is a video of the NRSWA reassessment process, it highlights the main points discussed above to help you understand what will happen on the day, and after you have completed your reassessment.
Common misconceptions about NRSWA reassessments
With any professional assessment comes a series of myths and misconceptions. The NRSWA reassessment is no exception, often clouded by a mixture of half-truths and outdated information.
Misconception 1: “The Reassessment is Just a Formality”:
Many believe that reassessments are mere formalities, a red tape hoop to jump through. However, they are critical in refreshing vital knowledge and ensuring everyone is aware of the latest safety standards and methodologies.
Misconception 2: “If You’ve Passed Once, It’s Easy the Second Time”:
Experience, while valuable, doesn’t guarantee a pass in the reassessment. With the ever-changing landscape of safety practices, even seasoned professionals need to stay updated and prepared for new challenges.
Misconception 3: “Only New Workers Need Thorough Training; Veterans Don’t”:
Experience on the field is invaluable, but it’s a mistake to assume that those who have been doing the job for a long time don’t need updated training. In some cases, they may even need to unlearn outdated practices to align with the latest safety protocols. It is well documented that complacency can lead to oversights and increase risks in the workplace.
Misconception 4: “All Training Centres and Reassessments Are the Same”:
Though all training centres abide by NRSWA guidelines, the depth, resources, and teaching methods will vary depending on where you go. As mentioned previously, some training centres will offer more in-depth refresher training before you take the signing, lighting and guarding reassessment. These courses tend to be those that are 1 whole day in length. Some refresher courses will only be 1/2 a day, which will be more focused on taking the test. If you haven’t been working on the highways for a while and your qualifications have expired, then you might want to consider a training venue that offer more in terms of refresher training before you take your test.
Booking your reassessment
You can book your reassessment course by visiting the O1 and S1 Signing, Lighting and Guarding reassessment course page. or by giving our team a call on 0800 0213 263.